New Swimmer's / New Family Page

Welcome to STP!  Below is information we think will be helpful for new families to swimming and/or Swim Team Pocatello.

1. What is STP?
STP stands for Swim Team Pocatello.  It is a year round, USA Swimming sanctioned, insured, and certified team.  Swimmers are divided into practice groups based on their age and ability.  Coaches use drills and training principles to teach swimmers their technique, speed, and endurance in the four competitive strokes – freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke.  Membership on the team requires the parent and child(ren) agree to Terms & Conditions for Participation.  

2. How do I know if my child is ready for competitive swimming?
If the swimmer has taken lessons and is at least 5 years old, they are welcome to try out with STP.  A tryout generally takes about 20 minutes and they need to be able to swim the length (25 yards) of the pool in freestyle and backstroke.  Swimmers trying out should bring a suit, goggles, and a towel. All forms, including a copy of the child’s birth certificate must be filled out prior to a tryout.  (This is for insurance purposes.) After the tryout, the coaches will either suggest additional lessons or place them in the appropriate level on the team.

3.  Can we afford it?
Obviously, this will vary, but the fees are reasonable when compared to other sports.  The monthly fees for STP are $50, $65 or $80 depending on the level of your swimmer.  There is an annual USA Swimming membership fee of $50 and an annual Administration Fee of  $20 per family. The meet fees and swim gear are separate and NOT included in your monthly fees.  We do have a team suit and order twice a year and we have team caps in the office. We have various fundraising opportunities that all families must participate in throughout the year. This helps to keep monthly fees reasonable.

 4. Will my child have to compete?
We do not require that the swimmers compete at the meets.  However, STP will host three meets a year.  We do an “inner team” meet called The Gator Bowl in the fall.  This is great for beginner swimmers because it is only our team.  We also host Winter Sprint, usually held in December and Simplot, usually held in the spring.  We do ask that for those two home meets that families do their best to attend and participate.  These are great fundraiser opportunities for our team and give the swimmers a great opportunity to learn how the meets work.  Also we have this handy Information Sheet that explains more about what to expect and do at all swim meets.

 5.  How do we sign-up?
All sign-ups are done at the STP office located at the Community Rec Center, 144 Wilson St. in Pocatello.  We hold regular office hours Tuesday through Friday from 3:30-5:30 PM during the school year.  During the summer we swim at Ross Park 9-11 AM.  We take new swimmers year round, unless the coach feels we have reached full capacity. A waiting list is then started.  The office number is 232-4366 for any further questions!